Falcons Sign Former St. Louis Rams Running Back Steven Jackson to 3-Year Deal

The Atlanta Falcons offense is starting to take shape. After learning just before the start of free agency that Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez would return to the team instead of retiring, on Thursday free agent running back Steven Jackson has agreed to a contract with the Atlanta Falcons, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Falcons’ official Twitter page reports that the deal will be for three seasons. Dollar figures for the contract were not immediately provided by the team. However, ProFootballTalk.com reports that the deal is worth $12 million.

Jackson hit the free agent market after the St. Louis Rams provided him with the option to void the final year of his contract. The Rams are preparing to go forth with 2012 draft choices Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead in the backfield, acoording to Yahoo! sports.

Jackson drew interest from both the Green Bay Packers and Falcons before deciding on Atlanta on Thursday. The Falcons were in the market for a veteran back after releasing Michael Turner earlier this month. Turner topped 1,300 three times during his first five seasons with the Falcons, but was released after averaging just 3.6 yards per carry in 2012 and watching his 2013 base salary swell from $5.5 million to $6.9 million.

Jackson will join Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers in the Falcons backfield.